Notre Dame starts freshman tight end, Tyler Luatua sits out

The college football schedule is difficult enough to navigate successfully with a full roster, but Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly must find ways to win with injuries to some of his team’s most valuable skill players.

Against UMass Saturday, the Fighting Irish were without sophomore tight end Tyler Luatua with an undisclosed injury announced just before the game, according to a report by ESPN.

Notre Dame is already missing top tight end Durham Smythe for the season after he underwent surgeries on his shoulder and MCL following the second game of the season.

Freshman Alize Jones will get the start at tight end for Luatua.

The Irish are already without quarterback Malik Zaire due to an ankle injury, and running back Tarean Folston (ACL) for the season.